10 Strange, Dark & Creepy Animated Films & Cartoons
Beyond the Familiar: Exploring Darker Animated Films
Animated features and cartoons are commonly associated with entertainment for children, often presenting an idealized and cheerful depiction of reality.
While classics like Mickey Mouse, Scooby Doo (prior to the introduction of Scrappy), and Looney Tunes hold a special place for many, this exploration will deviate from those lighthearted narratives.
Venturing into Unconventional Storytelling
The films discussed below represent a departure from typical animated fare, delving into complex themes of avarice, ethical considerations, and the often-enigmatic circumstances surrounding their creation.
These stories are designed to challenge viewers, prompting reactions ranging from uncomfortable laughter to thoughtful introspection.
Themes of Greed and Morality
These animated works often tackle mature subjects not usually found in children’s entertainment.
Greed, the consequences of unethical behavior, and the exploration of the human condition are central to many of these narratives.
Obscure Production Histories
Beyond the thematic depth, the production backgrounds of these films are frequently marked by unusual or little-known details.
These aspects add another layer of intrigue and contribute to the overall unsettling atmosphere.
Prepare to be taken outside of conventional expectations and encouraged to contemplate deeper questions about the world and yourself.
An Enigmatic Narrative: The Mysterious Stranger
Rooted in Mark Twain’s final, yet incomplete, literary work, The Mysterious Stranger is presented as a claymation narrative. The central figure within this story is an angel who identifies himself as Satan.
This segment originates from the 1986 film, The Adventures of Mark Twain. The primary characters featured are Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, and Huck Finn.
Exploring the Underlying Themes
A distinct message is conveyed throughout the clip. Careful attention to Satan’s concluding remarks will reveal its core meaning.
The narrative prompts reflection on philosophical concepts and the nature of reality.
Video Presentation
The following embedded video provides a direct viewing experience of this intriguing scene:
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ifeyKhxgHbA[/embed]
Observe the animation style and consider how it contributes to the overall atmosphere of the story.
Angst: A Unique Animated Short
Angst is an animated film distinguished by its stark black and white aesthetic, blending simplistic animation techniques with authentic live-action footage.
This project was brought to life by Emiel Penders, a Dutch animator, and centers around a young protagonist’s journey to conquer a personal fear.
The narrative follows a child who is compelled to face their apprehension of the wind, driven by the need to rescue a beloved pet.
A Blend of Styles and Themes
Despite its somber visual presentation, the film’s underlying story possesses a poignant beauty.
The narrative explores themes of courage and overcoming obstacles in a uniquely compelling manner.
Watch the film here:
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAH4klqLTXg[/embed]
The Animated Works of Don Hertzfeldt
Don Hertzfeldt is a highly acclaimed American animator, celebrated for receiving over 150 awards for his artistic endeavors. His films are characterized by their meticulously hand-drawn animation, executed in a distinctive style that is uniquely his own. This dedication to detail led to Hertzfeldt being ranked 16th in a recent poll identifying the top 100 animators.
Exploring Hertzfeldt’s Filmography
Many of Don Hertzfeldt’s animated shorts, such as the first example below – Rejected – present a comedic narrative that progressively descends into increasing absurdity. It’s worth noting that this work was not, in fact, created for the Family Learning Channel, a realization that becomes apparent relatively early in the viewing experience.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpn5iPc218c[/embed]
The Animation Show represents a collaborative effort between Hertzfeldt and Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butthead. This project continued for three additional seasons, showcasing Hertzfeldt’s contributions alongside those of other animators, before his departure in 2008.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMQ-t3nGzrI[/embed]
Early Successes and Award-Winning Shorts
Billy’s Balloon, which garnered 30 awards, was produced by Hertzfeldt while he was still a student, and was subsequently released in 1999.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTfD-NtrNUM[/embed]
Lily & Jim marks Hertzfeldt’s debut in dialogue-driven animation. This wickedly humorous and delightfully awkward short, enhanced by partially improvised voice acting, recounts the tale of a particularly unsuccessful blind date, earning it 25 awards.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bqNSq7O4vw[/embed]
A Descent into the Sinister
The final film featured here, is arguably Hertzfeldt’s most unsettling and unconventional work. Spanning 17 minutes, the animation follows the life of Bill in three segments, as his initially mundane existence transforms into something far more ominous.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IUX0Qy-IDM[/embed]
Bad Egg
Recently released, Bad Egg is a 3D animated short film created by BIG Animation, an animation studio based in India.
Initial impressions suggest a charming, Pixar-style animation, but the narrative quickly unfolds into a darker tale carrying a profound philosophical weight.
Production Insights
The film’s creators state that Bad Egg challenges the perception that Indian production companies struggle to dedicate time to original content creation amidst demanding schedules.
Further details regarding the making of Bad Egg are available on CGTantra.
Watch the film:
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_vxC0XPrEg[/embed]
This short offers a unique perspective on storytelling and animation from an Indian studio.
Monkey Doodle
Describing this particular piece of animation proves challenging, but one YouTube commentator offered a rather direct account:
“The other day, while in the Arabian jungle with my camel dog, we were forced to flee down a very straight path, pursued by a tiger. Then, a jazz band unexpectedly began to play.” (BarnacleGooseInvalid)
Monkey Doodle, originating from the creative mind of Les Elton in 1930, possesses an unusual quality that captivates viewers.
Its strangeness is undeniably compelling, making it difficult to avert one’s gaze.
[embed]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBYAJBwyNWs[/embed]
The animation’s unique style and narrative contribute to its enduring appeal.
It remains a curious and memorable example of early animation.
The combination of seemingly disparate elements – a jungle, a tiger, a jazz band – creates a surreal experience.
This unexpected juxtaposition is a key factor in the work’s lasting impact.
Les Elton’s creation continues to intrigue and amuse audiences decades after its initial release.
A Look Back at MTV’s Unconventional Animated Shorts
A compilation of peculiar, brief cartoons, stop-motion animations, and MTV’s signature animated identification sequences are showcased consecutively.
The majority of these animated pieces are quite short, often lasting 10 seconds or less. Experiencing them all in rapid succession can, admittedly, become somewhat intense after a certain point.
However, perseverance is rewarded. Within this collection lie some truly darkly humorous and captivating creations.
Highlights of the Collection
The series features a diverse range of animation styles and themes. It evokes a sense of nostalgia for a time when MTV embraced experimental and unconventional content.
One can’t help but wonder if the current MTV could recapture the innovative spirit displayed in these shorts.
Here are a couple of examples:
- Video 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=grTMBzOImGg
- Video 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9rVVpVMzgY
These examples demonstrate the unique and often bizarre aesthetic that defined this era of MTV animation.
The shorts offer a fascinating glimpse into the creative experimentation that characterized the network during its formative years.
Reflections on Cinematic Exploration
It is hoped that these films have proven engaging for viewers – perhaps “absorbed” is a more fitting descriptor than “enjoyed”. We encourage you to share your thoughts and reactions.
Your feedback is valuable, and we invite you to contribute to the discussion. Please feel free to share any unusual or remarkable films you may have discovered in the comments section provided below.
Continuing the Discovery
The world of cinema is vast and filled with hidden gems. We aim to foster a community where such discoveries can be shared and appreciated.
- Consider leaving a comment detailing your own unique finds.
- Engage with other viewers and their perspectives.
- Help expand our collective understanding of film.
Your participation is key to enriching this ongoing exploration of cinematic creations. We look forward to reading your contributions.